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The Colon Cancer Symptoms Everyone — Especially Young People — Should Be Looking Out For
The Lede
According to the American Cancer Society, cases of colon or colorectal cancer in those aged under 50 have risen by two percent every year for more than a decade. The cancer is easier to treat if it's caught early, and doctors are urging people to get a colonoscopy if they are experiencing any symptoms of the illness — especially two of them at the same time.
Key Details
- Abdominal pain or cramping and weakness or fatigue can be symptoms of colon cancer. If you're suffering from both at once, it's worth getting tested.
- Iron deficiency anemia, or low iron levels, can also be a sign of the disease — symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath and headaches.
- Changes to bowel movements — like pooping more often, having very thin stools or blood in the stool — are also common.
- Significant, unintentional weight loss is often seen in people with very late-stage colon cancer.